by Andrea Jacobs, Cville Sabroso Festival Director
Every September, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, local nonprofit Sin Barreras puts on the Sabroso Festival, a family-friendly fiesta at the Ting Pavilion.
This year, the party lasts all day on September 20th from 1PM -10PM with 9 hours of nonstop live music, dancing, food from many Central and South American countries as well as Mexico, artisan crafts, and family fun! In 2024, over 4,000 Latinos and non-Latinos attended, and this year should be even bigger. Here are five reasons to come join the party!
Charlottesville is not just the home of UVA and Monticello; it’s the heart of Central Virginia’s Latino community. Attending the Sabroso Festival is a unique way to connect with local Latin American culture and meet community members who make Charlottesville a richer, more diverse city. There will be several informational booths set up as well, showcasing a variety of nonprofits and community services.
This year’s headliner, La Internacional Sonora Dinamita, was a finalist for Billboard’s 2023 “Tropical Artist of the Year” and has been a favorite with fans all over the world for decades! Additional performers throughout the day will bring music and traditional dance from Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela! You’re welcome to watch from the sidelines, but as it is National Dance Day, we recommend joining in on the dancefloor for an unforgettable time.
2025’s festival will feature the broadest range of cuisines we’ve ever had! Savor flavors from Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. In addition to soft drinks and beer, there’ll also be a dedicated Fiesta Bar serving Lime Margaritas and Cuba Libres.
This year’s celebration features two new attractions: a bouncy house and the first annual “Copa Sabroso” soccer shootout for kids 12 and under. There will be three rounds: 2PM, 3PM, and 5:30PM, with prizes for the winners!
The festival will also have a “Kids’ Zone” from 1-6PM with free activities like face painting and craft projects. The annual “Parade of Flags” will take place at 7:20PM, during which local kids will take to the stage to proudly show off the flags of their families’ countries of origin.
Enjoy browsing local artisan creations in various mediums, such as jewelry, clothing, textiles, ceramics, paintings, woodworking, and more. These handcrafted items are inspired by modern and traditional cultures (e.g. Mayan, Incan, Aztec) and reflect the creativity and diversity of the Latin American community.
The Sabroso Festival is more than an event; it's a celebration of the vibrant Latino spirit - a window into a community that has been enriching Central Virginia for so many years! From music and dance to food and arts, come immerse yourself in the richness and diversity of Latin American and Hispanic culture! Tickets are currently available for purchase online with a special $8 early bird price until September 15th. Children 12 and under are free.
Andrea Jacobs
Cville Sabroso Festival Director
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